As reported in the science journal Nature, National Institute of Mental Health-sponsored researchers published a study today in the Archives of General Psychiatry finding that ketamine shows breakthrough potential as a treatment for depression. In the study, 17 people suffering from major depression who had failed to respond to treatment with standard antidepressant drugs or more drastic methods were treated with ketamine. The results showed that 71% felt better the day after taking ketamine, and 35% still felt better a week later, while none improved when dosed with a placebo.
